The Office of Campus Ministry provides liturgical worship and spiritual activities in the Catholic tradition at the Chapel of St. Basil, the heart of the University of St. Thomas. Students are encouraged to get involved in campus liturgical programs, retreats, Bible studies, and volunteer service experiences to integrate more fully their spiritual and academic development. All members of the University community are invited to participate in the services of Campus Ministry.
At the beginning of each Fall semester, the campus–wide traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit draws the campus community together to dedicate the academic year to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of each Spring semester’s campus–wide Mass of St. Thomas Aquinas the campus community prays for the guidance of the patron of the University of St. Thomas.
The Basilian Fathers and visiting priests celebrate two daily Masses in English, two Sunday Masses, and a weekly Mass in Spanish throughout the academic year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered five days a week.
Campus Ministry sponsors weekly Eucharistic Adoration, that is fundamental to UST campus spirituality and growth. Students, faculty and staff participate by spending an hour of Eucharistic Adoration each week praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary throughout the academic semesters.
In the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program during the academic year, Campus Ministry prepares student, staff and faculty for their reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, and for deeper study of the Catholic faith.
Campus Ministry supports these UST Catholic student groups: the Knights of Columbus, Celts for Life, Augustine Without Walls, Theology of the Body, Bible Studies, and the Society of Macrina. Campus Ministry also collaborates with other UST departments to assist University members in current issues and volunteer service activities.
The Chapel of St. Basil the Great
The Chapel of St. Basil is the center of the University’s spiritual life and mission. The location of the Chapel of St. Basil and the Doherty Library at opposite ends of the academic mall represents faith and reason in dialogue at this Catholic University.
The Chapel’s name is derived from St. Basil the Great, the patron saint of the Basilian Fathers–– the Catholic religious congregation that founded the University of St. Thomas. The Basilian Fathers are dedicated to education and evangelization through the charism of Jesus Christ, the teacher.
Designed by Philip Johnson, the Chapel is a prominent place of prayer and worship for the University community. The Chapel of St. Basil is world renowned for its post–modern architecture that creates a sacred silence of space. As such, the Chapel attracts national and international visitors interested in this Houston landmark. Tours may be booked through the Campus Ministry Office by phone: (713) 525–3589 or email: campusministry@stthom.edu.